Weber has another big weekend with her other group of singers, the Houston Symphony Chorus. On July 17 and 18, the chorus joins forces with the Houston Symphony and Filarmónica Joven de Colombia for a massive performance of “Carmina Burana” at Jones Hall.

One might think that Weber would find time to rest following her international journey and a big concert weekend. Instead, the energetic choir director is prepping for a hiking trip in Ireland with her equally adventurous husband, Rick Weber.

Luckily, her schedule was not too hectic to chat with Creative Pride about this weekend’s concerts and the triumphant trip to Germany.

UH’s Moores Concert Chorale in action at the Grand Prix of Nations

Creative Pride: This week has been busy as you prepare for performances of “Carmina Burana.” Have you fully recovered form last week’s international travels?

Betsy Weber: Well, I came back on Cloud 9 from Germany. And I’m still on German time, so I’m waking up at 4 a.m. But, I am recovered and looking forward to this weekend.

Creative Pride: What should audiences expect this weekend? With the symphony, chorus and Colombian Youth Philharmonic, will this be a classical music spectacle?

Weber: (Laughing) That’s very well put. It’s been so inspiring to watch the young musicians of Colombia sit side by side with symphony musicians and soaking up everything they have to offer. And it’s been great to see the experienced players coaching their younger counterparts. To get into the spirit of things, the Houston Symphony Chorus also will feature some youth singers and collegiate singers. One high school singer told me, “This is a dream of a lifetime for me. I’ll never forget it.” This whole project is very heartwarming.

Creative Pride: I would imagine that you are extremely busy balancing the Moores Concert Chorale and Houston Symphony Chorus. Is it hard to keep both groups organized and sounding great?

Weber: If you love your work and have supportive colleagues, it’s not difficult. I just think that my calendar must reflect what needs to happen. That is the bottom line. But it’s not a chore at all. It’s just exhilarating.

Creative Pride: Aside from this weekend’s big concert, what’s next for the Houston Symphony Chorus? And for that matter, what will be the next performance for the Moores Chorale since its big win at the Grand Prix?

Weber: The Symphony Chorus will open its 2015 – 16 season with a little known piece by Robert Schumann titled “Pilgrimage of the Rose” on Oct. 3. It’s a charming fantasy, and it’s going to be so much fun to sing.

The Moores Chorale will perform in Fayette County as part of an event coordinated by Art for Rural Texas in October.

Creative Pride: Last but not least, I have to offer more congratulations on the big awards you and the Moores Chorale earned at the Grand Prix of Nations in Magdeburg, Germany.

Weber: Thanks!

Creative Pride: The chorale’s repertoire included a lot of American music. How well did international audiences receive songs like Alabama’s “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)?”

Weber: (Laughing) The audience liked that one a lot. Concert-goers were very international; although, there was strong German representation. Every venue we performed in was packed. Often times, there were crowds outside of each hall with signs that read “Need Tickets.”

We also did three serious pieces by Texans including works by UH’s David Ashley White, organist Rob Landis and Craig Hella Johnson from Austin. They were very well received by audiences and judges alike.

I think they liked everything we sang and were appreciative of the wide variety of music we brought to each performance.

Weber and the Houston Symphony Chorus are among the musicians performing “Carmina Burana” at 7:30 p.m., July 17 and 18 at Jones Hall. For more details, visit the Houston Symphony’s website.